What is a phishing attack?

A phishing attack is a deceptive act designed to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. This is typically accomplished through fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites that appear to be legitimate. The aim is to lure the victim into a false sense of security, which can lead to dangerous consequences, such as identity theft or financial loss. Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with phishing attacks, which have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in today's digital landscape.

The other options relate to different concepts in the realm of cybersecurity but do not accurately define what a phishing attack is. Improving system performance, monitoring internet traffic, and computer viruses are all important topics, but they do not encompass the fraudulent actions and consequences associated with phishing. By understanding the nature of phishing, individuals can better protect themselves and their information from such types of cyber threats.